A new look through research and conservation
A fascinating new conservation and research project will aim to uncover Tintoretto’s original vision for the work and allow us to better understand what is believed to be a painting from the early stages of his career.
Lord Bearsted certainly felt the picture to be of great significance and was no doubt influenced by picture dealer and restorer, Horace Buttery, who wrote to him before he bought the Tintoretto, saying: ‘Sir Kenneth Clark and other experts on Venetian painting have all been enthusiastic about this picture – a recent discovery of mine – as an important unrecorded early period work. The picture is beautiful in colour – rose-pink, grey and gold – and the subject is amusingly treated’.
Following technical analysis, Upton’s painting will travel to the National Trust’s conservation studio at Knole in Kent. It is hoped new information discovered during research will not only allow visitors to see the many layers of the painting itself, but also to delve into the many layers of its story.
Our Property Curator Michelle Leake says: ‘Many visitors to Upton walk past this wonderful picture without even noticing it. The image has darkened to such an extent that its original liveliness and incredible detail are now very difficult to see. I hope this project will transform the picture and allow it to be viewed in an entirely new light’.